Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1887-09-30

JAY, SEPTEMBER 30.
SUBURBAN IMPRovEMENTs.
A Communicasson % the District Com.
missioaers.
COMPLAINT THAT fHI SCHEDULE PREPARED By TIE
CITIZENS COMMITTEE OF ONE HUNDRED CONTAINS
NOT DOLLAR FOR SUBURBAN IxPRovYNENTs-
REASONS WHY THR PETITIONERS THINK THE ox1s-
s1oNs SHOULD n SUPPLIED sY TIE coxNIssIoNkRs
The following communication was to-day sent
70 the district Commissioners, signed by r. H.
Goldsborough, VIM. g. THOMPSON. A. Bateman.
per Jen. chandler, attorney; Jno. E Beall, and
Hufty Dyer:
SIRs: Our attention has been called to the rec
commentator OF the Committee OF One Hundred
In regard to street Improvements for the coming
year. II that recommendation meets with favor
able consideration, the taxpayers of the entire
Distr1ct Will nave to bear the burden 1t imposes
the benent OF the particular localities mentioned.
Speaking for ourselves and those we represent, we
believe the improvements recommended are
greatly needed, as are other improvements in other
sections OF the District, and that they will be
made. II harmony and spirit Of fairness charac-
terlzeS the efforts OF the champions OF our cause
Dedofe ConereSs; TO secure this, something ap-
preaching equal justice all things considered,
should De freely accorded to all sections needing
and asking aid.
NOT DOLLAR FOR SUBURBAN IMPROVEMENTS.
Now In this particular recommendation, we are
unable TO discover one single dollar OF the millions
peutioned Tor recommended to be appropriated
TO the adjournment and development OF the great
SUBURBS OF the District, west, north northwest or
northeast OF the city. A violent opposition was
raised against suburban Improvement last autumn
partly by disinterested parties of Conservative
convlctions, VINO thought The movement prema-
tnre, out principally. II is believed, by persons
posed connicting interests, because the Commis-
siOnerS thought the time had come to do some
thing like Justice 10 these sections, whilst yet 1t
might be done At a, comparatively speaking,
trtntng cost, before permanent improvementswere
made which would bar the way, and before
values had 80 increased that it would be I'm
possible TO obtain rights OF way without putting
the Government TO extraordinary COSTS.
INCREASED VALUES FOLLOW IMPROVEMENT.
1t was further wisely argued, as subsequent
events demonstrate, that the enhancement OF
values along the line Of the various Improvements
recommended by them would justify an assess
ment at the next general assessment which would
specify renunerate the District and the Govern
Ment f0r their outiays In this direction. Some
tnlng was Cnen zone by your honorable board,
Notwithstanding the aniniadversion TO which IL
was subjected, and 1t is believed that no unpreju
diced mind among the then opponents OF your
policy in this matter can CONSIDER the results OF
The little you were permitted to do without recog-
nlzlng the soundness and foresight OF the course
you sought to have adopted. TO start with, the
partial extension OF 18th street and the permit
work on Meridian Hin, and the great work on
Washington Heights. wholly done by private en-
at least million, and probably two millions, OF
dollars to the cash value OF the properties directly
north OF the city. 1t Is estimated that the pro-
posed Orldge across the Eastern Branch has added
more IMAM TWO millions TO the taxable basis OF
Southeast washington and TO that portion OF the
county east OF the Eastern Branch.
EXTENSION OF MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE.
The largest and most obvious results, however,
have followed the agitation Of the extension OF
Massachusetts avenue and the partial grading OF
the same, little more than half way to Rock
Creek, 1t Is fact, well known to any one at all
posted as to real estate values here, that the
property through which this extension runs has
Increased In market value the last twelve fifteen
months tSince the views OF the Commissioners in
hundred per cent, and that the land donated for
The avenue (rom Boundary to Rock Creek) some
thing more Than ten acres, Is to-day worth over
100000. Property that was considered high
less than one year ago 1--WE refer particularly to
Kalorama Heights) at 81, 600 an acre. it is be-
neved, would now readily bring, any day, under
the hammer, three or four times that amount. The
same character OF appreciation has gone ali along
the proposed line, and If new assessment was
made Tomorrow there would be an increase OF
from Two to three millions OF dollars to the tax
able basis OF this section. Should the Massachu-
setts-avenue bridge be built, and the avenue
extended to the Tenleytown road the increase
will be several times that amount; but it is cons-
IDENTIFY asserted, and can be demonstrated that the
present increase alone will add sufficient revenue
",
to say nothing OF future profits accruiEg to it
growing out or the enhancement OF values ordi-
narliy following such improvements.
BUSINESS BASIS.
Therefore, as matter of judicious investment
as purely business proposition upon purely
business basis the foresight of the Commissioners
and the friends of the county generally Is v1nd,S
Gated. But there are other substantial reasons
why this particular section is entitled consider
atlon at this time IN this matter. To say nothing
adding a hp.lflfNl n nd to nc,
general attractiveness, a highway OF easy grade
In that vicinity to the highlands stretching from
Montgomery County, Is an absolute public neces-
sity. At present IT. Is impossible for carriages to
get there from the city except by circuitous and
loaded wagons bearing fertilizers, COAL brick,
building materials, merchandise &c, on account
OF the heavy grades that have 10 be traversed.
This direct line would not only lessen the distance
greatly, but, on an easy, scientific grade, would
add to The comfort and diminish the cost OF the
ascent to this grand and rapidly improving plateau
THE TENLEYTowN ROAD :AND ITS BRANCHES,
leading as 1t does to the beautiful and fertile lands
of Montgomery County, is already second in i'm
portance as feeder to the city, and first as
fashionable drive and, when completed to Rock
vllie, as IL soon VIII be- by private enterprise it
WIN De sc, second Sc TO none IN Importance in
and can hardly be considered invidious
TO say that twice as many vehicles will
daily cross the Massachusetts avenue bridge wnen
constructed, as will cross that which Is to he
built over the Eastern Branch; that the
country to be benefited Is OF double the area, Of
many times the value, and, in a word, that there
Is an tncOmparably greater public necessity there
Tor. There Is another reason that will commend
itself to all impartial minds; that is the fact that
the people interested In this section put, and
are willing TO put, their shoulders manfuy to the
wheel 10 assist In Its development. The owners
along the line OF Massachusetts, avenue, Tor whom
We appear particularly, are not only willing to
donate the right OF way involved but, II the Gov
eminent will build a suitable bridge, they and
Others interested are ready to assist in grading IL
from ROCK Creek to the TenieytOWn road. .
DEFENDING THE COUNTY RECORD.
No one can deprecate more than we do, sirs, the
ungenerous rtvairies apparently possessing many
parties who are interested in different parts OF the
city and suburbs, but we believe it can be truth
fully SAID OF the county generally that It's record
Is GEAR In This particular. AS proof OF this not
one dissenting voice was raised from the north,
northwest or west last winter it was proposed
It Is said that the oldest citizen does not
time when the county people did not pay their
taxes, without grumbl1ng about the manner in
which their money for nearly q century has been
spent In the Improvement and adOrnment of the
city. 1t Is respectfully submitted however that
they ought not to be expected to quietly suffer
themselves 10 be loaded with great appropriations
on values which, save those that have Indirectly
accrued from the growth OF the city, have been
practlcally created by their own money and en-
Jerprtse unless their needs are to receive an hon.
est and fair share OF recognition from the govern
ment. II taxation without representation is Odi-
GUS, what can be said OF taxation without direct
participation In its benefits? In conclusion it has
been said that considerable part OF this section